?Reported by Mike Siciliano of WrestleView.com

On Sunday, February 20, 2005 at 3:51 PM EST

Well, the miracle has happened. Hell has frozen over, and the world is starting to spin in the opposite direction. Why, you ask? Simple. The powers that be here at Wrestleview.com have given me, the single most loudest sum***** a space to write my own rants and raves about the business of pro wrestling. Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the first installment of the New "Pro's From the Palace".

If you want to know more about me, drop me a line. I'll give you access to my web log, and we can go down that road. Nobody wants to hear too much personal setup in these setups, so let's just get right down to business.

Since we have begun the road to Wrestlemania 21, let's dive in to the news worthy items leading up to the big event come April 3. Obviously, there are two to discuss in question, Dave Batista, and the PPV tonight, Smackdown's No Way Out. I also have some other tidbits to sprinkle, and I hope they make ya think. Here we go....

First off, let's discuss Dave Batista. One of the WWE's newest and brightest young stars, and I am shocked to say young at his age, but his development over the past few months has been extraordinary. I got lucky when I picked up the broadcast of the Rumble, and picked Cena & Batista as the two would be in the finals of that contest, but I was shocked indeed when Batista got lucky enough to win the contest on the do - over from Vince "Gimps" McMahon.

Now, when Batista stays on Raw tomorrow night, (and if you think otherwise, what kool-aid are you drinkin'?), it's quite obvious we're going to have two hell of a main event title matches come Wrestlemania 21. Triple H vs. Batista in what surely will be Evolution's death knell match. I know I've said that many a time in other columns, but there is no way Evolution can survive this. Triple H's demonstrative maniacal ego would not let him allow the Animal to sniff the World title, and when Batista figures that out, he's gonna kill the Game. Absolutely tear him apart. And I can't wait to see it.

Quickly, on the Smackdown side for Wrestlemania, it's pretty obvious that the US Champion is going to get another shot at glory, as John Cena will defeat Kurt Angle to step up to the plate and more than likely face JBL for the WWE title at Wrestlemania 21. I doubt seriously that WWE would want John Cena vs. Big Show again at Wrestlemania 21 for the WWE title, when they had that same match open Wrestlemania 20 for the US title. Too many people would probably figure out the pattern, and not want to bother to tune in. Also, Kurt Angle has the seedlings already planted for a wrestling clinic style interpromotional matchup with HBK, Shawn Michaels. If you didn't see the Rumble, or didn't think the Rumble's antics between Kurt and Shawn were seedlings for a match at Mania, then again, I ask you, what kool aid are you slurpin'?

Before I go on to more thoughts on Wrestlemania with No Way Out going down tonight, and I will provide some predictions for that PPV later, although I already gave out two, with JBL defending against Show, and Cena taking Angle out, I need to spend a minute on Evolution's eventual demise. With the onset of the Hall of Fame, and the focus on 'legends' in the sport, one particular legend needs desperately to step up to the plate, and spit in everyone's faces and take matters in to his own hands. That person is Nature Boy Ric Flair. Flair has turned his career from being the kiss stealin', wheelin' dealin', limousine ridin' sonofagun to nothing more than Triple H's b**ch. And quite frankly, it makes me sick. Ric Flair back in the day was one of the most successful champions this business has ever seen, and WWE needs, no, it HAS to allow Ric Flair the opportunity to walk out in to the limelight of his career on top of Space Mountain, where he spent 17 title reigns as World Heavyweight Champion, not some flunkie for an overbearing egomaniac.

Ok. Since I want to go into Wrestlemania more, let's go over the No Way Out card, with some thoughts...

The Undertaker vs. Luther Reigns
Has this legendary figure gone from title contention to literally holding up stiffs that can't compete on this level by themselves? Reigns has been in Angle's shadow from day one simply because he couldn't hack it on his own, promotion wise, and talent wise. Now, he's tried to get under the skin of the legendary Dead Man, something that nobody has been able to achieve successfully for any lengthy amount of time. I suspect this encounter will be no different. Undertaker takes a physical contest over Kurt Angle's protege.

For the WWE Tag Team Championships, the Basham Brothers defend against Rey Mysterio & Eddie Guerrero
There are two wild cards here for this contest. #1, Orlando Jordan. #2, is the possible heel turn of Eddie Guerrero legitimate. There had been some possible teasers of Eddie and Rey going at it, yet now, they're back teaming again for a shot at the gold. I wish I could explain the reasons for it, but truthfully, my schedule before now has not given me the opportunity to watch much Smackdown, I've been getting the bulk of my Smackdown information from WWE Experience. So, needless to say, this is a toss up matchup, as both sides could have some advantage from the 'wildcard' elements I mentioned. Personally, I think the Bashams will figure out a way to maintain the titles, for now.

Rookie Diva competition
Being a full blooded American male, I would be lying to you that I don't mind the eye candy Vince has brought on board the past few months. But, all kidding aside, segments on Smackdown with the divas is one thing, but taking up time on a pay per view, not to mention the precipice to Wrestlemania, is a bit absurd. No prediction here, because quite frankly, I am going to side with my colleague Anne Carrington on this one, this, is a waste of time.

Cruiserweight Elimination Match for the WWE Cruiserweight title - Funaki vs. Akio vs. Spike vs. Shannon Moore vs. Paul London vs. Chavo Guerrero
Does this mean that they're going to pay attention to the cruiserweights again? I mean, really, come on, Sho Funaki is a talented competitor, but having the belt this long is a bit of a stretch, don't you think? Personally, this could be the show stealer, because of the talents of one man, Paul London. I also think this could be a show stealer because maybe, just maybe, WWE may dust off the Dudley Boyz and let them return to active competition by either helping Spike regain the title, or crushing his hopes to do so. Either way, I am going to take a stab, and say Paul London is our new cruiserweight title holder. Why? Because by far and away, he is the most talented in the group.

Booker T. vs. Heidenreich
I guess WWE still needs to hold Heidenreich's hand like a little school boy as he proceeds from match to match. That's the only explanation I can give you for this match being booked at all. Booker T faces Cena for a shot at going to Wrestlemania 21, and the main event, loses, and this is his consolation prize? Ridiculous. Expect Heidenreich to get DQ'ed because his talent is so slim that Booker's wrestling ability in its own right will probably drive the big man crazier than he already claims to be. I mean, seriously folks, Booker T's match is promoted 24 hours before the pay per view on VELOCITY? Gimmie a break.

And lastly, like I said, John Cena defeats Kurt Angle in what probably will be a classic to go on to Wrestlemania 21 and face the WWE champion. Also, JBL defeats the Big Show inside the Barbed Wire Steel cage match for one simple reason. If the WWE can have JBL go through the gauntlet of Eddie Guerrero, Booker T, Undertaker, twice, and then all three of them at the same time, there is no way on God's green earth that he is going to drop the belt in this contest, because it's just not feasible. Take into consideration as well that if Cena does make the #1 contenders slot, I doubt seriously, like I said before, that WWE would want a repeat match at WM 21 like they had at WM 20. But, who knows?

Also, Batista makes an impact probably backstage or shows some uncanny fit of strength at the ring, maybe by breaking the cage so that someone can sneak out. I doubt Batista makes a lasting impression tonight, as I expect him to sign with Raw and face the Game at Wrestlemania 21 tomorrow.

Ok. Now that the long stuff is done, some briefs on Wrestlemania 21, and for the moment, how I think it's panning out.

For the World Heavyweight title, Triple H defends against Batista.
For the WWE title, JBL defends against John Cena.
In an interpromotional match, Kurt Angle meets Shawn Michaels.
In an interpromotional tag match, Gene Snitsky and Heidenreich meet the Brothers of Destruction, the Undertaker & Kane.

Now the first two matches are pretty self explanatory, and should come in to focus by monday night. Kurt vs. Shawn began back at the Rumble with their little run in during the Rumble match. I think the tag match is a done deal because of Kane's involvement during the casket match back at the Rumble as well.

However, I read rumours of a possible Randy Orton vs. Undertaker match, and there are two questions to that. 1. Why? 2. How would you promote it? Neither individual has had issue one with the other, and I don't see how you can get that together in a month long period. We shall see.

If Cena does win, it would be very interesting to see what they do with the US title, would they make the contest title for title? Would they declare the US title vacant if Cena wins the WWE title? It's a very intriguing proposition. Cena has been on a major roll as of late, and to pick agaisnt him is not one move I think the oddsmakers would place in your favor.

As time progresses, Wrestlemania 21 should come in to more focus, and things should start to bear fruit with regard to which piece of the giant puzzle goes where. But for now, the seedlings of some interesting competition are in place, and quite frankly, WWE could be in for another repeat positive Super Bowl of Sports Entertainment. Quite frankly, they need it, too. They have not had a major league production in the PPV ranks since Wrestlemania 20, and the only major beef with that broadcast was it was too damn long. We'll just have to wait and see.

I welcome any and all ideas for this column, as I will be coming to you each week with more thoughts and ideas. I would LOVE to hear your feedback at the email address PALACE@WRESTLEVIEW.COM

Until next week, I got a question to ask all of you...

KIMOSABE, SUMO?